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"Waiting for DAAs": A retrospective chart review of patients with untreated hepatitis C in Rwanda.

Neil GuptaJules KabahiziConstance MukabatsindaTimothy David WalkerEmmanuel MusabeyezuAthanase KiromeraJennifer Ilo van NuilKevin SteinerJoia MukherjeeSabin NsanzimanaAimable Mbituyumuremyi
Published in: PloS one (2017)
Compared to an estimated 55,000 patients eligible for HCV treatment in Rwanda, this study identified only 253 patients currently diagnosed and engaged in care, highlighting an immense treatment gap in HCV, likely due to the lack of accessible and affordable screening, diagnostic, and treatment modalities. The patients that were enrolled in care had a disproportionately advanced fibrosis stage, possibly indicating late presentation to care or lack of treatment options. In the context of newly available and effective treatment options, this study supports the overall need to accelerate access to HCV screening, diagnostics, and care and treatment services in resource-limited settings in sub-Saharan Africa.
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